As you may have noticed, construction at the Ashbury intersection on the Panhandle at both Fell and Oak has been quite a drawn-out process. In fact, it started way back in December of 2012, and continues to this day.
We reported in December of 2014 that the playground is set to get a facelift, and in October that lighting would be the first priority. Then, in January, there was still debate among neighborhood groups about how to properly prioritize funding allocation, and the potential for a fundraiser to make up the difference was on the table.
Since the intersections' makeover, there have been a lot of perceptible improvements. The greenery has been refreshed with gardens and rocks added to emphasize pathways, the pedestrian and bike ramps leading to Oak and Fell have been replaced, and the pathways have been widened slightly.
That said, there remains the problem of inadequate lighting at night, uneven paths, and a distinct lack of benches and other seating options anywhere east of the restrooms.
This Saturday from 11am-1pm, at the Ashbury Street crossover path, you can help move the project along by attending a meeting organized by the North Panhandle Neighborhood Association, Panhandle Residents Organization SF, and Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council. They'll have potential plans for the intersection on display, and they'll be collecting feedback from neighbors about how to make the intersection better for everybody. You'll also be able to get information on how to stay involved going forward.
We spoke to Connie Chan of SF Rec & Park about what might be in store for the intersection, and she emphasized that Rec & Park's priorities still include "making improvements to pedestrian safety including lighting, signage, and marking paths to reduce pedestrian and bike conflicts, particularly along the Oak Street south-side path."
What do you think the Panhandle's Ashbury intersections need? Tell us in the comments.
